The recent attack on the African Democratic Congress, ADC party’s secretariat in ubima, Rivers state has become a source of concern for the its headquarters in Abuja.
The National publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi In a statement, condemned the burning of the secretariat in Ubima, describing the incident as a criminal attack on democracy and a dangerous escalation of political violence.
Bolaji said the arson was part of a troubling pattern of intimidation against its members, noting that only a few days earlier some ADC supporters were shot at during a political gathering as other party offices had also been targeted in recent months.
The party warned that while it remains committed to peaceful democratic engagement, its restraint should not be mistaken for weakness and that it will take all lawful steps to protect its members and facilities.
ADC Accused the ruling all progressives congress, APC for allegedly sending its loyal thugs to burn down the office on Thursday night, stating that the direct assault has breached the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the democratic process.
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The opposition party called on the ruling APC’s government to immediately call their loyal thugs to order to prevent continuous political violence, intimidation and destruction of political property to gain competitive points.
The opposition said in as much as it is committed to a peaceful and law-abiding Democratic Party, it warned that if such action is not addressed by the APC, it may force opposition party members to defend themselves through lawful means which may heat up the polity.
ADC however called on the security agencies to immediately investigate the attack, identify and apprehend the perpetrators to ensure that those who sponsor or enable political violence are brought to justice as Anything short of that demand will embolden violence that can silence political participation and weaken Nigeria’s democracy.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
